Trump's tariffs: African countries brace for impact

US President Donald Trump has said that he won't back down on his sweeping tariffs on imports from most of the world, despite his move sending shockwaves through financial markets, raising fears of a recession and disrupting the global trading system.

While Trump claims that world leaders are "dying to make a deal" with the U.S., his actions have left many nations scrambling to respond.

African countries, in particular, face a complex and challenging situation, with each nation adopting a unique strategy to navigate this unprecedented trade storm.

Trump's tariff policy has been characterised by an assertive approach in which he’s declared, "There's no talk unless they pay us a lot of money on a yearly basis," signalling a departure from traditional diplomatic negotiations.

The US said more than 50 countries had reached out to the Trump administration to negotiate deals over the tariffs, highlighting the widespread concern and the potential for significant shifts in global trade dynamics.

Zimbabwe's measure

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has taken a bold step, announcing plans to suspend all tariffs on US imports in a bid to boost American imports and promote Zimbabwean exports to the US. Under the Trump new policy, Zimbabwe faces an 18% tariff hike.

“This measure is intended to facilitate the expansion of American imports within the Zimbabwean market while simultaneously promoting the growth of Zimbabwean exports destined for the United States. This action underscores our commitment to a framework of equitable trade and enhanced bilateral cooperation,” Mnangagwa said in his announcement on X.